<RE/START>

We rise by lifting others.

proof of concept
impact Stories
The following three stories highlight
the impact that our proof-of-concept
bootcamps have had on our students.
Nawras Al Jallad (30) Javascript
DAmascus, Syria
Why I code: & JS frameworks
I do enjoy writing simple and elegant code and learning newest JavaScript based
frameworks that make my applications more secure and efficient. Coding to me
is a way to be creative and build things from scratch on a blank canvas.
What did you do before Restart Network:
After my journey I stayed in several camps and finally found a home in The
Hague, close to Rotterdam. My educational background is also in IT but my Uni-
versity degree was focused on Network Administration and I only had few courses
in which I really programmed. I did know PHP, a bit of Java and some modeling
languages but I didnt code much in a few years ever since I came to the Nether-
lands.
How has the experience helped you in your career:
I am now a junior web developer at a digital agency in Gouda called WeConnect.
The whole experience was very valuable and helped me a lot to regain the belief
in my skills. I always knew I had it in me and the interview and communication
training as part of the bootcamp really paid off. The CV and portfolio we had cre-
ated during the bootcamp got me a foot in the door at many digital agencies at
which I interviewed. Through the daily algorithm classes I felt confident during my
technical interview here at WeConnect and it felt like just the right environment to
start my new career here in The Netherlands. I was very happy when I received my
first offer from them and now I can finally reunite with my wife.
Abdallah Ashour (30) Procedural PHP
GAza, Palestine
& MVC (Codeigniter)
Why I code:
So many outcomes in our lives are decided and supported by algorithms, I want
to be able to shape lives and write algorithms myself.

What did you do before Restart Network:

I mainly focused on learning the Dutch language and integrating. Back in my
home country I finished my education as network administrator so I always had
a passion for IT and was curious to learn more programming.

How has the experience helped you in your career:

I have many more opportunities now than I did before, because I know about
web technologies. In August Im starting my internship at ABN Amro which I got
through Restart Network and Im very excited. I will be working in a team of
experienced development engineers with a possibility of a fixed job after my
internship. My task will be to work on CRM modules and widgets in the internal
ABN Amro employee platform using Javascript which I learned during my time
at Restart Network.
Mayasa Quacquess (27) Bootstrap
Damascus, Syria
Python
Javascript
Why I code:
I believe in technology as a driving force for the future and if we dont study it,
we will be left behind. I want to be able to shape the future!

What did you do before Restart Network:

I was living in an AZC (asylum seeker center) for one year before I finally got a
place to live and then I started looking for the best option to get a good educa-
tion. In Syria I had studied telecommunication engineering but had to flee due
to the war before I could get a degree. When I stumbled upon Restart Network I
liked the concept and thought why not try computer science for a change.

How has the experience helped you in your career:

When I came to Restart Network I found what I really love: coding. Being sur-
rounded by so many people who are genuinely curious and passionate about
tech is really inspiring. The bootcamp changed my career path away from tele-
communication to Computer Science and I have studied hard to pass my Uni-
versity entrance exam. Starting September I will do my bachelors degree at TU
Delft.